Maternal fish oil supplementation enhances placental nutrient transport and mammary gland secretion via the GPR120 signaling pathway.

Introduction: Maternal fish oil (FO) supplementation during pregnancy has been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes. FO is recognized as dietary source for n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs). While early research has focused on the benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 PUFAs for fetal neurodevelopment, retinal maturation and neonatal behavior, their roles in the placenta during late pregnancy and in the mammary gland during lactation still remain unknow.

Exploring melatonin's multifaceted role in female reproductive health: From follicular development to lactation and its therapeutic potential in obstetric syndromes.

Background: Melatonin is mainly secreted by the pineal gland during darkness and regulates biological rhythms through its receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. In addition, it also plays a role in the reproductive system by affecting the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and by acting as a free radical scavenger thus contributing to the maintenance of the optimal physiological state of the gonads. Besides, melatonin can freely cross the placenta to influence fetal development.

Nutritional strategies to reduce intestinal cell apoptosis by alleviating oxidative stress.

The gut barrier is the first line of defense against harmful substances and pathogens in the intestinal tract. The balance of proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and its function. However, oxidative stress and inflammation can cause DNA damage and abnormal apoptosis of the IECs, leading to the disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier.

Clinical Predictors and Outcomes After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation and Tracheostomy.

Background: Postoperative respiratory failure is a major complication that affects up to 10% of patients who undergo cardiac surgery and has a high in-hospital mortality rate. Few studies have investigated whether patients who require tracheostomy for postoperative respiratory failure after continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation have worse survival outcomes than patients who do not.

Objective: To identify risk factors for respiratory failure necessitating tracheostomy in CF-LVAD recipients and to compare survival outcomes between those who did and did not require tracheostomy.

Exploring the Benefits of Probiotics in Gut Inflammation and Diarrhea-From an Antioxidant Perspective.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by an abnormal immune response, includes two distinct types: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Extensive research has revealed that the pathogeny of IBD encompasses genetic factors, environmental factors, immune dysfunction, dysbiosis, and lifestyle choices. Furthermore, patients with IBD exhibit both local and systemic oxidative damage caused by the excessive presence of reactive oxygen species.

Dispersion of National Institute of Health Funding to Departments of Surgery Is Contracting.

Introduction: NIH funding to departments of surgery reported as benchmark Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) rankings are unclear.

Methods: We analyzed inflation-adjusted BRIMR-reported NIH funding to departments of surgery and medicine between 2011 and 2021.

Results: NIH funding to departments of surgery and medicine both increased 40% from 2011 to 2021 ($325 million to $454 million; $3.

Coronary artery bypass grafting at safety-net versus non-safety-net hospitals.

Objectives: Safety-net hospitals (SNHs) provide essential services to predominantly underserved patients regardless of their ability to pay. We hypothesized that patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) would have inferior observed outcomes at SNHs compared with non-SNHs but that matched cohorts would have comparable outcomes.

Methods: We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database for patients who underwent isolated CABG from 2016 to 2018.

Intraoperative Red Blood Cell Transfusion and Primary Graft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation.

Background: In this international, multicenter study of patients undergoing lung transplantation (LT), we explored the association between the amount of intraoperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion and occurrence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and associated outcomes.

Methods: The Extracorporeal Life Support in LT Registry includes data on LT recipients from 9 high-volume (>40 transplants/y) transplant centers (2 from Europe, 7 from the United States). Adult patients who underwent bilateral orthotopic lung transplant from January 2016 to January 2020 were included.

Readmissions After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: Influence of Prosthesis Type.

Introduction: Prosthesis choice during aortic valve replacement (AVR) weighs lifelong anticoagulation with mechanical valves (M-AVR) against structural valve degeneration in bioprosthetic valves (B-AVR).

Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried to identify patients who underwent isolated surgical AVR between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, stratifying by prothesis type. Propensity score matching was used to compare risk-adjusted outcomes.

Chronic kidney disease, risk of readmission, and progression to end-stage renal disease in 519,387 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: The association between chronic kidney disease and adverse outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting is well established; in contrast, the association between chronic kidney disease and readmission has been less thoroughly investigated. We hypothesized that patients at higher chronic kidney disease stages have greater risk of readmission, poorer operative outcomes, and greater hospitalization cost.

Methods: Using the 2016-2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database, we identified 519,387 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Nationwide database analysis of one-year readmission rates after open surgical or thoracic endovascular repair of Stanford Type B aortic dissection.

Objective: We examined readmissions and resource use during the first postoperative year in patients who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair or open surgical repair of Stanford type B aortic dissection.

Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2016-2018) was queried for patients with type B aortic dissection who underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair or open surgical repair. The primary outcome was readmission during the first postoperative year.

Stroke and mortality rates after off-pump vs. pump-assisted/no-clamp coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: Ascending aorta manipulation during on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery can release embolic matter and may cause stroke. Strategies for lowering the stroke rate associated with coronary artery bypass grafting surgery include off-pump surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass and pump-assisted surgery with minimal aortic manipulation (i.e.

Readmission After Bioprosthetic vs Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement in the United States.

Background: Choosing between a bioprosthetic and a mechanical mitral valve is an important decision for both patients and surgeons. We compared patient outcomes and readmission rates after bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement (Bio-MVR) vs mechanical mitral valve replacement (Mech-MVR).

Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried to identify 31 474 patients who underwent isolated MVR (22 998 Bio-MVR, 8476 Mech-MVR) between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018.

In-situ bypass is associated with superior infection-free survival compared with extra-anatomic bypass for the management of secondary aortic graft infections without enteric involvement.

Objective: The optimal revascularization modality following complete resection of aortic graft infection (AGI) without enteric involvement remains unclear. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the revascularization approach associated with the lowest morbidity and mortality using real-world data in patients undergoing complete excision of AGI.

Methods: A retrospective, multi-institutional study of AGI from 2002 to 2014 was performed using a standardized database.

Spatial Patterns of COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage by Social Vulnerability Index and Designated COVID-19 Vaccine Sites in Texas.

Equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine remains a public health priority. This study explores the association between ZIP Code−Tabulation Area level Social Vulnerability Indices (SVI) and COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Texas. A mixed-effects, multivariable, random-intercept negative binomial model was used to explore the association between ZIP Code−Tabulation Area level SVI and COVID-19 vaccination coverage stratified by the availability of a designated vaccine access site.

Effect of mode of intraoperative support on primary graft dysfunction after lung transplant.

Objective: To clarify the relationship between the use of extracorporeal life support during lung transplantation and severe primary graft dysfunction (PGD), we developed and analyzed a novel multicenter international registry.

Methods: The Extracorporeal Life Support in Lung Transplantation Registry includes double-lung transplants performed at 8 high-volume centers (>40/year). Multiorgan transplants were excluded.

Outcomes, Cost, and Readmission After Surgical Aortic or Mitral Valve Replacement at Safety-Net and Non-Safety-Net Hospitals.

Background: Safety-net hospitals provide essential services to vulnerable patients with complex medical and socioeconomic circumstances. We hypothesized that matched patients at safety-net hospitals and non-safety-net hospitals would have comparable outcomes, costs, and readmission rates after isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) or mitral valve replacement (MVR).

Methods: The National Readmissions Database was queried to identify patients who underwent isolated AVR (n = 109 744) or MVR (n = 31 475) from 2016 to 2018.

Staged Repair of Extensive Aneurysms of the Thoracic Aorta by Using the Elephant Trunk Technique.

Background: Staged open repair of extensive aortic aneurysms by using the elephant trunk (ET) technique has facilitated the treatment of aortic aneurysms that affect the entire thoracic aorta. We describe our nearly 3-decade experience with classic ET repairs.

Methods: From 1990 through 2021, we performed 363 stage 1 ET repairs to replace the transverse aortic arch in patients with a median age of 65 years (interquartile range, 56-71 years).

Midterm outcomes of aortic root surgery in patients with Marfan syndrome: A prospective, multicenter, comparative study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare midterm outcomes of aortic valve-replacing root replacement (AVR) and aortic valve-sparing root replacement (AVS) operations in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Methods: Patients who met strict Ghent diagnostic criteria for Marfan syndrome and who underwent either AVR or AVS between March 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010 were enrolled in a 3-year follow-up prospective, multicenter, international registry study; the study was subsequently amended to include 20-year follow-up. Enrollees were followed clinically and echocardiographically.

Ciprofloxacin accelerates aortic enlargement and promotes dissection and rupture in Marfan mice.

Objective: Aortic aneurysm and dissection are major life-threatening complications of Marfan syndrome. Avoiding factors that promote aortic damage is critical in managing the care of these patients. Findings from clinical and animal studies raise concerns regarding fluoroquinolone use in patients at risk for aortic aneurysm and dissection.

Ninety-Day Readmission After Open Surgical Repair of Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection.

Background: Investigations into readmissions after surgical repair of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) remain scarce. We analyzed potential risk factors for readmission after TAAD.

Methods: The 2013 to 2014 US Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for TAAD index hospitalizations and 90-day readmissions indicated by diagnostic and procedural codes.

Effect of sarcopenia on survival and spinal cord deficit outcomes after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair in patients 60 years of age and older.

Objective: Sarcopenia (core muscle loss) has been used as a surrogate marker of frailty. We investigated whether sarcopenia would adversely affect survival after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from patients aged 60 years or older who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs from 2006 to 2016.